Discouraged...

[Boo]

Well, Piper went back to ignoring treats again. Cheese this time. It seems that NOTHING is more irresistable than playing with those other dogs.

She wasn't too bad during the first half of class. But after the break, there was NO way she was going to listen again. I am starting to think that the classes are way too long.

Admittedly, they do say that the classes are for us, not the dogs. The work with the dogs, we actually do at home.

It's so hard when there are so many factors I can't control ... like the people/dog aggressive lab that always stares out both Piper and Jasper (although he's muzzled, he still tries to go for them). We spend so much time just trying to get our dogs to not look at the lab....the little "cute" puppies that paw and pounce at them (whose owners just let them, because it doesn't jerk THEIR shoulders out of the socket). The little girl (who wasn't supposed to be in the training area) who kept flapping her jacket, which really disturbed Piper for some reason (See the "naked" thread). I guess in the long run, if we can get the puppies paying attention amongst all that, then they WILL be very well trained. It just doesn't seem like "setting them up to succeed".

Pat handled Jasper, and they seemed to have a much better lesson, than Piper and I. The trainer used Jasper in a few demonstrations. Personally, I think that's cause he makes her look good.

I just have to keep reminding myself that this is going to help my babies in the long run.

Adele

 

[vasha]

Isn't it FRUSTRATING?! Especially when the trainer isn't controlling her class like she should. But keep at it, keep your calm, and bring a squeaky toy to class. Maybe she'd like that better?

Good luck!!

VaSHa

 

[Boo]

I've tried the squeaky toy too. That's not as exciting as the other dogs either. But thanks for your encouragement. I know it's something I just have to stick with. Gotta try and scam Piper into thinking I am enjoying it too.

Adele

 

[myrocky]

What if you tried to tire her out just a bit before class? In the early stages of class when Rocks was still whining because I wouldn't let him near the others :rolleyes: Before class we went for a long long long walk and then he played for a bit with his beagle friend. He was still excited to see the other dogs in class but some of his energy was already spent and it was easier to get him to focus on work.

Also I didn't feed him before class so he was a little hungry. This is when I was still feeding kibble. So I just packed up the amount I gave him for a meal into a baggie and used that as bait. I did bring out the big guns, like cheese and hotdogs, when I really needed him to focus on me or when he did something super well.

We've all been there so vent any time you need to :p Good luck to you!! Classes can be tough but they are really rewarding as well

 

[Renee&Jake]

Do you play attention games at class?

I do a lot of upwards releases, let my dogs tug on their (nylon) leashes while in class, watch me games, little stuff. I always try to be the most interesting being in the room (to my dog whichever one I'm working). It's just little tricks I picked up from friends who train Boxers, and also closely watching the OTCh trainers in my novice and open classes (The OTCh is a big deal here in the US - Obed. Trial Champion).

Sometimes, I'll admit I'm a little distracting to other peoples' dogs, but if they learned how to be interesting themselves, their dogs would focus on them, not me . And the OTCh trainers don't mind, they're doing it too.

 

[Atlas]

Hi Adele,

Whereabouts are you doing you training? I went to obedience classes with Atlas and the trainer really turned me off them.

I decided that I was going to try doing the lessons myself at home and it is going well but it doesn't expose Atlas to the element of other dogs running around and all the other goodies. I am sure that Atlas would carry on like Piper.

 

[Peggy G]

Hi Adele, I'm having flash backs. I went through the same thing with Scarlet. The instructors made it clear that our dogs were NOT allowed to sniff, play or go near each other but that didnt stop Scarlet. All the other dogs would be sitting at their owners feet and Scarlet would be acting like a maniac. I posted about it too.

http://www.boxerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=5733&highlight=Scarlet

I stuck it out and she did get a little better as the weeks went on. I wish I had better advise. I just wanted you to know that I know what you are going through.

I think Andie had some great ideas. I hope they work. Keep us posted.